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Volkswagen CC Takes On Nissan's New Maxima and Acura's New TL - But Which Car Would You Choose?

Agent00J submitted on 09/13/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:34 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[87] user comments | category: New Cars

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Volkswagen CC Takes On Nissan's New Maxima and Acura's New TL - But Which Car Would You Choose?

Agent 001 had the opportunity to spend some time this past week driving the new Volkswagen CC. A coupe similar in concept to the Mercedes-Benz CLS, this low slung car is certainly a looker with pictures really not doing the car justice.

I had a chance to spend some time with Agent 001 and got to check out the CC as well, and while I liked what I saw in print, the CC in person is really a great looking car that I think VW will have no problem moving off dealer lots.

Of course anytime we get a new car it is inevitable that we ask you which car you would choose, and this will be no exception. The players are all new or redesigned within the last few months.

Nissan has stepped up its game in bringing the new Maxima to market. Aggressive styling along with a top notch interior, the Maxima seeks to revive the 4-Door Sports Car claim (4DSC) that Nissan has used for years. Like the CC, the Maxima looks better in person than it does in pictures. The ability to have your eyes follow the lines, and to see the light reflect from the many surfaces really allows one to appreciate the attention to detail Nissan put into the new Maxima.

Acura has taken a lot of heat lately for the design language that is migrating across the lineup. The TL is by far the most outrageous design, with the strongest elements and accents to date. I hope that in person the new TL looks better than the pictures suggest, as the pictures really do not flatter the new TL. While the TL wears dramatic elements on all sides, it is the nose that has attracted the most criticism. The interior however is a place that few can find fault with, details are plentiful and attractive raising it to yet another new high, and the accents and attention to detail should do well with existing Acura customers along with attracting new customers as well.

If the new Volkswagen CC is any indication, it would seem as though VW is serious about its goal of 800,000 sales a year in the US. This low slung 4-Door coupe should generate a lot of traffic at VW dealers, and would be a good alternative to the Maxima or TL.

So the question is, which car would you choose. All three have their own pros and cons, and I don't think you would go wrong by choosing one over the other, but which one would you choose?

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KZ258 - 9/13/2008 11:49:09 PM

+2 Boost

maxima over the rest. i doubt the CC will be aggressively sporty anyway but if the TL comes in manual, i might get that instead

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hao420 - 9/14/2008 10:57:04 AM

+2 Boost

Maxima on my top list if thier offer AWD or RWD......

Agent004 - 9/14/2008 12:22:32 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Have to go with the Maxima on looks alone. I used to like the look of Acura's until they started copying Honda, copying BMW.

You know what happens when you play the game operator...

Dutchman - 9/14/2008 7:16:08 PM

-1 Boost

Passat CC all day every day! If I wanted a TL i would just buy an accord same car same company!

maximafan1 - 9/14/2008 12:16:21 AM

-1 Boost

MY NAME SAYS IT ALL!!
the maxima would be my choice. i think the CC it really odd looking and disproportionate, it just doesnt look put together correctly.

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bmwdrvr - 9/14/2008 12:27:57 AM

-8 Boost

i would go for the Acura Tl if i were buying it, the looks are polarizing but the current TL is the best Acura has in my opinion more power, more refinement, and all wheel drive im sure only makes it that much better...i do like the interior of the CC though the Maxima's interior looks downmarket by comparison to these 2 but the Maxima's pic dont do justice in person it looks nice, but the Tl still seems like a step above it.

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Htay7500 - 9/14/2008 12:41:11 AM

+1 Boost

Maxima or CC. which ever comes with the diesel and stick.

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Htay7500 - 9/14/2008 12:41:29 AM

0 Boost

*first...

NISSANINFINITI - 9/14/2008 1:00:51 AM

+3 Boost

MAXIMA hands down!

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SixxFive - 9/14/2008 1:04:22 AM

-1 Boost

I would take the CC. Saw the Maxima on the road two days ago and the front of the car looks as if the dsigners were on crack.

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1dott8 - 9/14/2008 3:11:04 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

that's funny but i think the designers started from the back and exhausted all potential when they reached the front.

BFABS - 9/14/2008 12:25:34 PM

0 Boost

On Crack? Mmmmh..SixxFive, are you saying that the car has imagination and looks great? I'd rather buy a car designed by designers on crack than buy one cooked-up by accountant and bean counters!

B7FAN - 9/15/2008 8:10:12 AM

+4 Boost

I would take the maxima the overall look is more sportier and agressive than the tl with the Tucan Sam Beak on the front and the CC is ok I like it but i need more of a different look than a CLS

JUGNU - 9/14/2008 1:27:35 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Exterior wise Maxima and CC looks equally good to me but the infiniti-like interior of Maxima is really good and much better than Passat's. So maxima over CC.

JUGNU

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/14/2008 3:27:25 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Huh? The CC has a flawless interior. I like Nissan a lot, but it's pretty obvious that VW makes nicer interiors than them, in every segment.

aarononymous - 9/14/2008 10:06:17 PM

-2 Boost

Infiniti interiors are nothing to brag about IMO

budfrogS4 - 9/15/2008 7:43:45 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Thanks, aaron, you beat me to the punch.

I'm not a big fan of the styling of any of the 3 really. The CC rear looks like a Buick, the front of the Maxima is messed up and the TL just looks bloated.

Looks aside, I'd probably have to go with the TL...decent power, awd and I'd be amazed if reliability wasn't top notch.

Welcome back foxone...it's been a while.

Dustbuster - 9/14/2008 1:29:33 AM

+1 Boost

CC because it'll most likely be rare compared to the other two. But only the VR6 AWD is tempting. The TL is ok as long as I get the SH AWD.

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BJS470 - 9/14/2008 1:36:07 AM

+1 Boost

Maxima

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TauronB2G - 9/14/2008 1:42:23 AM

+1 Boost

Most likely the maxima...it'd probably be cheaper to own and I think it'd be a larger more fun car to drive.
t

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BlakuraTLS - 9/14/2008 8:46:34 AM

+3 Boost

Not so fast, fully loaded the Maxima can reach 36K-38K

senorgato - 9/14/2008 3:21:24 AM

-7 Boost

TL. NO question.

The Maxima doesn't stand out on the road. In profile, looks like previous generation Galant, and from the rear looks no different than a Civic Coupe. And those headlights are just hideous. I looked at the interior of a few at a dealer and it's blah.

The CC, as I've said before is just ugly and boring. It's not sexy, not dramatic, nothing, unlike what a coupe is supposed to be. It's a German Sebring/Sable/Aurora.

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NISSANINFINITI - 9/14/2008 10:20:14 AM

+3 Boost

Funny you say that cause the Acura TL looks like the previous generation Maxima but uglier.especially from the front. Ive seen the new Max a few times and its definately a stand out car!

MattB - 9/14/2008 8:40:45 PM

0 Boost

And I can guarantee you haven't seen it in person.

grysko - 9/14/2008 9:03:44 PM

+3 Boost

But the TL is sooooooooooo ugly. Why would you want to drive something that everyone else has to look the other way? The front end looks like a can opener. The rear end looks even worse. I'd be interested to see what a psychiatrist has to say about your obvious wish to be shunned by people with better taste.

BJS470 - 9/15/2008 12:55:22 AM

+4 Boost

TL=FAIL

MattB - 9/15/2008 10:09:48 PM

+2 Boost

I was referring to the CC. It's a great looking car in person. The Maxima is also better looking in person than in pictures. Haven't seen the new TL in person yet, so I'm reserving judgement until then.

Willis - 9/14/2008 4:19:14 AM

-1 Boost

1) VW
2) Nissan

Acura? Not even on the list.

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Star - 9/14/2008 8:48:25 AM

-5 Boost

The Maxima is really ugly and looks cheaply made. The CC simply looks like a luxury car by comparison. I don't see how anybody other than a Nissan fanboi could choose the lowly Nissan over the gorgeous VW CC.

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QuantumMatrix - 9/14/2008 9:09:36 AM

-1 Boost

VW CC...

Best looking and will age more gracefully over time. The others are fugly...

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BJS470 - 9/15/2008 1:02:07 AM

+3 Boost

But it's a pontiac

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lakerfan213 - 9/14/2008 10:08:02 AM

+4 Boost

1.) Passat CC

2.) Maxima

3.) TL

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/14/2008 3:28:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Hm, we're a little confused aren't we? Referring to Audis as VWs, and then VWs as Audis?

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KZ258 - 9/14/2008 4:05:33 PM

+1 Boost

S4 returned with a side of spunk. dont let no one push u around s4. hows ur wife's S4 and X5 goin? ; )

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MeanVulcan - 9/14/2008 11:02:39 AM

+1 Boost

Acura is plain ugly.
Maxima has nice hood lines, but the ugly headlights kill the front.
The CC has the nicest frontal design and sides. But I really dislike the rear.

So... exterior design and styling is even.

Interiors I would lean for the fine Audi-like finish of the CC but until I actually see them in person I reserve my opinion.

Finally, it would come down to the engine options and sport packages that would decide it for me. Although if ACura comes with FWD its out of the question, if the CC comes with 4Motion AWD and a powerful engine it would make it for me. I doubt the Maxima will be offered in AWD.

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EL34 - 9/14/2008 11:19:31 AM

+2 Boost

I would take the VW CC.

I cannot handle the styling of the Maxima or the TL.

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lanchime - 9/15/2008 11:32:23 PM

+1 Boost

That's because you are bias to every Japanese brand.

lanchime - 9/15/2008 11:35:15 PM

+1 Boost

You know strike that, I mean every Asian brand.

1995e34 - 9/14/2008 11:28:59 AM

0 Boost

whichever can power the rear wheels.

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Htay7500 - 9/14/2008 12:31:22 PM

+3 Boost

where in this case, their all FWD.

1995e34 - 9/14/2008 1:28:21 PM

0 Boost

damn, i guess i'll walk.

MattB - 9/14/2008 8:41:55 PM

+1 Boost

The TL and CC will offer AWD systems.

1995e34 - 9/14/2008 8:56:25 PM

-1 Boost

i guess that leaves the maxima as the odd man out.

i'm amazed so many people find the acura's grille offensive, but are ok with the maxima's headlight design.

g2ok - 9/14/2008 12:58:25 PM

-1 Boost

1. Maxima
2. VW CC
3. Don't buy the TL - it looks retarded.

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theoptimisticpessimist - 9/14/2008 1:31:40 PM

+2 Boost

Interesting forum. It amazes me how the new Acura TL finish last on so many lists to much cheaper cars of non-premium brands. Acura has to reconsider everything if it wants to stay viable.

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Star - 9/14/2008 3:28:41 PM

-1 Boost

Acura is NOT a premium brand. It's just Honda.

EL34 - 9/14/2008 2:08:31 PM

0 Boost

The Maxima looks like a Ford Fusion.

Yawn :-y

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senorgato - 9/14/2008 3:12:52 PM

-2 Boost

Sure the TL looks like the previous Maxima. But the previous Maxima copied the Lexus GS look and the current Maxima profile looks like previous Galant and TSX. Funny how people are trying to make it like the Maxima is unique and original when it continues to borrow plenty.

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/14/2008 3:31:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

How did the Maxima "copy" the GS? I don't see that at all. The last-generation Maxima came out before the current GS, and the last-generation GS looked nothing like the last-generation Maxima.

The word "copy" is thrown around very loosely here...

The TL is hideous, leave it at that.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/14/2008 3:29:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I like both the CC and Max, but the CC has a more elegant, polished feel to it. It has more than one engine choice, a nicer interior, great handling and, in my opinion, looks better. However, the Nissan also has good handling, a lovely interior and is much more attractive than the last-gen. It's pretty close.

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abcd - 9/14/2008 4:25:27 PM

0 Boost

1)Acura TL , even if it looks oddly outside ( who is a exterior designer of this car , he must be mad ) . I`ll take Acura becouse it`s more technologically advanced than passat CC or maxima and I like technology more than styling .

2)passat CC and maxima - tie , they look better outside .

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Barrie - 9/14/2008 5:50:00 PM

+1 Boost

I`d dodge the Nissan, parts way too expensive and needed too often for my liking, more expensive to run than my BMW, I`d take the VW for quality and they can make fwd cars handle well, Japanese cars tend to have awful steering, no feel, as for styling, Japanese cars have been very anonymous, the new Nissans like the Maxima and Primera are a bit different but so ugly, almost like the Toyota Prius

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BJS470 - 9/15/2008 1:05:57 AM

+2 Boost

Nissan parts more expensive than BMW parts? U serious?

ouzoboy - 9/14/2008 7:03:59 PM

+4 Boost

Having owned previous Passat's and a recent Acura TSX, I would choose the VW hands down. The handling and brakes of the current Passat outperform the Acura in all situations. Plus, the VW has been extremely reliable. In fact the TSX has been the worse car I have owned in the past 30 yrs. While an attractive buy, the quality of components and constuction is inferior to the VW. No experience with the Nissan brand.

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Agent63 - 9/14/2008 7:11:34 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Although the new Maxima has a nice interior I have to choose the Acura TL. The TL has always been very good value with an upscale looking interior. Bang for buck value you can't get any better than an Acura. Also the Maxima and the CC isn't a luxury brand.

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/14/2008 10:33:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Have you looked at it? Like, physically, seen pictures of the new Acura TL?

Agent63 - 9/15/2008 6:44:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I expect Acura to do their interior equally as good if not better in the new one than the outgoing TL Type S. The interior for the money is a lot of value IMO.

By the way, S4 WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!! you missed some interesting conversations against the autospies.com's "troll of the year".

golfer38 - 9/15/2008 3:20:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I would choose the TL as well. Although I've had the luxury of driving the 2009 TL on a track and it is wonderful, so that does sort of bias my opinion. Plus, the exterior is much, much better looking in person. I know, I know, it would have to be...

senorgato - 9/14/2008 11:47:15 PM

0 Boost

S4, just because someone's opinions opposes yours doesn't mean you're right.

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/15/2008 7:40:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The new TL is almost unanimously considered a styling failure. It was blasted on every Honda/Acura fan site, let alone normal car sites.

NUggAitsME - 9/14/2008 11:51:36 PM

+1 Boost

Maxima looks wise hands down , pictures dont do its justice very good looking car , interior , i like the design of the maxima but the materials i'm sure in acura and VW are much much better , the VW is a car for Woman , and losers , i don't see how a respectfull guy can get something like that for himself, and acura is just simply ugly , i have no F*ucking clue what were they thinking but on the other hand in Japan they have very futuristic style in ALL clothes, hairstyles , technology , etc so maybe they like it , but for us Americans and i'm sure the rest of the world it looks like an ugly as* car , like a can opener that some1 has said before , like a transformer , i dont know

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pchera01 - 9/15/2008 1:25:18 AM

0 Boost

Maxima

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Mercedes - 9/15/2008 2:45:35 AM

+3 Boost

It sure wouldn't be that ugly arse Acura. Whoever designed the Acura needs to be fired and then beaten.

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cptamazing4 - 9/15/2008 7:56:17 AM

+3 Boost

VW for sure. It's a looker. moreso than the jap garbage.

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Barrie - 9/15/2008 9:01:34 AM

+1 Boost

In reply to BJS470: Maybe because I haven`t needed many parts for the BMW, but Nissan parts prices are ridiculous, $200 for a wheel bearing , and front suspension upper arms both went at low mileage, expensive parts and labour, plus problems with rear brakes and starter motor, very expensive car to run, Toyota not much better, transmission problems, central locking and electric windows not working, all at low mileage, The BMW nothing has gone wrong

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Star - 9/15/2008 4:17:40 PM

+2 Boost

I don't think they are quite the same. Honda sells their REAL cars in America under Acura name while selling Kia's re-badged as Hondas here. They don't exist as a premium brand anywhere else but US.

Audi is a real premium brand(since it doesn't sell the same cars under VW emblem in other countries) but I agree with you that they are a step down from BMW or Mercedes. I do like VWs though since they offer 90% of Audi experience for 70% price.

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jayr1 - 9/15/2008 10:43:20 AM

+1 Boost

From the company that owns Bentley, and Lamborghini; I would choose the CC - beautiful flowing lines. Acura has lost their way the armor shield grill (plain ugly and devoid of imagination). The Maxima is ok but the grill is squared-off and just plain peculiar and unattractive.

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NISSANINFINITI - 10/27/2008 5:17:02 PM

+1 Boost

you have to see it in person....im telling you its not to be messed with.... it looks good even in white with the panarama roof..... not may cars can pull off white to me...

no1listensanyway - 9/15/2008 11:07:21 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Maxima, I could care less about the other two.

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fling85 - 9/15/2008 11:47:09 AM

0 Boost

I will take the 2008 TL for about 8,000 less than any of above.....

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snatchandgrab - 9/15/2008 12:53:45 PM

+3 Boost

M A X I MA

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PerformanceGuy - 9/15/2008 1:15:53 PM

+2 Boost

Between those, I would choose the Maxima!!

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Denali - 9/15/2008 2:31:14 PM

0 Boost

all the cars looks good to me, the only 1 i saw was the Max, the luxury honda is a masterpeice on the inside,not sure about the exterior and im sure audi drop everything on the A4/A6 inside the CC...so imma go with the top of the line nissan,...

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20AEGTI - 9/15/2008 4:24:20 PM

+1 Boost

VW Passat CC for sure!!

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/15/2008 7:41:27 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

You are the master of comprehension.

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optimummind - 9/16/2008 12:06:15 AM

+1 Boost

If I had to choose and spend my OWN money, my order for these 3 cars are:

(1) Maxima. Although it's FWD, it's gotten favorable reviews and seems to offer a good balance between the exterior design and interior quality. I wouldn't take this car to the mountains but it looks like it will be good enough for driving around town and on the highways.

(2) Acura TL. I think the car is kinda ugly both front and rear but I like the technology.

(3) VW CC. I love the front and sides but hate the rear. I would've chosen this over the Acura TL but VW's low reliability ratings (per 2008 Consumer Report research) turns me off, as well as its relative higher cost for maintenance and repair compared to the Acura TL and Nissan Maxima.

Now, if it were SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY, my order would change to:

(1) VW CC. What not? I want to try something totally new on the market.

(2) Nissan Maxima.

(3) Acura TL.

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E36er - 9/16/2008 1:03:58 AM

+1 Boost

The Passat.

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shabaru - 9/16/2008 9:23:53 PM

+2 Boost

Maxima... i wouldve chosen the VW but copying a CLS and being in the rear of a CLS for a height like me thats over 6 feet is inferno... theres just no space...

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cls550 - 9/17/2008 3:04:36 AM

-2 Boost

Are you kidding me CC without a doubt. Better interiors,looks,build. Great car.

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dr1v3r - 9/23/2008 12:21:29 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, I had my first drive in the Volkswagen CC yesterday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I currently own a Passat B6 so I wasn't expectiung much of change.

I got a chance to the drive the 2.0T and the juicy 3.6 V6 280bhp "loaded" version v6 4motion with the new Touch screen Nav / Harddrive / Premium Sound yada yada yada.

The car is SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT from the car touring the Auto Shows in previous months the front end in particular is alot more sqaure and agressive.

The car is longer, shorter and wider and I was very surprised at how different it felt on the track to my passat the extra 1.6 inches in width seems to improve the already glue like handling. Unfortunately they didn't have any competitor cars to drive but I have driven the new Maxima and I like it.

The Accord ( sorry TL ) looks like pinoccio with that huge Nose they have slapped on it and the fact that they kept with a 5spd transmission on this car is laughhable.

I'd go for the CC or the Maxima the Honda is last by quite a way too!

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